A problem solution essay – B2 English Writing

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✏️ Exercises

🌍 Writing a Problem-Solution Essay – IELTS Task 2

How to Identify Issues and Propose Practical Solutions

🎯 What You’ll Learn

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to write a clear and effective problem-solution essay for IELTS Writing Task 2. You’ll discover how to:

  • Understand different types of problem-solution prompts
  • Identify key problems caused by a situation
  • Propose realistic, specific solutions
  • Structure your essay logically with strong examples
  • Use appropriate linking words and academic vocabulary

Review the full example below to see these techniques in action!

❓ Types of Problem-Solution Prompts

1. Suggesting Solutions Only
  • “Plastic pollution has become a major environmental issue. What can be done to tackle this problem?”
  • “Many people cannot afford basic necessities. What solutions can reduce poverty?”
2. Problems + Solutions
  • “Tourism has grown rapidly, creating challenges for local communities. What issues does this cause, and how can they be addressed?”
  • “Remote work is increasing. What problems arise, and how can they be solved?”
3. Causes + Solutions
  • “Obesity rates are rising. What are the main causes, and what solutions can tackle it?”
  • “Air pollution in cities is worsening. State reasons and provide solutions.”

📄 Example Problem-Solution Essay

Task: Tourism has grown rapidly in many countries, often creating challenges for local communities. What issues does this cause, and how can they be addressed?

The rapid growth of tourism has brought significant challenges to local communities worldwide. This essay will discuss two major problems—rising housing costs and environmental damage—and propose practical solutions to address them.

One serious issue is the surge in property prices. As tourism expands, investors buy homes to convert into short-term rentals, reducing housing availability for residents. In cities like Barcelona and Lisbon, locals have been forced to move to cheaper outskirts due to unaffordable rents. Additionally, natural environments suffer from overtourism. Popular trails, beaches, and historic sites often become littered or eroded; for example, the Inca Trail in Peru faces constant strain from foot traffic and waste.

These problems can be tackled through targeted policies. Governments should introduce rent control measures and fund affordable housing projects for locals. In Amsterdam, authorities banned new tourist apartments in residential zones to protect communities. To protect nature, destinations can limit daily visitor numbers and hire environmental wardens. Bhutan’s “high-value, low-volume” tourism model ensures sustainability by charging premium fees and restricting access.

In conclusion, while tourism boosts economies, it harms local housing markets and ecosystems. However, with thoughtful regulation and sustainable planning, communities can enjoy tourism’s benefits without sacrificing their well-being or environment.

🧱 Essay Structure

1. Introduction (30–50 words)
  • Paraphrase the situation
  • State the two problems you’ll discuss
  • Outline the solutions you’ll propose
2. Body Paragraph 1: Problems (100–120 words)
  • Introduce first problem + explain
  • Introduce second problem + explain
  • Give real-world examples for both
3. Body Paragraph 2: Solutions (100–120 words)
  • Propose solution for first problem + explain
  • Propose solution for second problem + explain
  • Support with specific examples (cities, policies, etc.)
4. Conclusion (30–50 words)
  • Summarize problems and solutions
  • End with a forward-looking statement

🧭 Key Writing Techniques

✔ Paraphrasing the Prompt

Rephrase without changing meaning:

  • Original: “Tourism creates challenges for local communities.”
  • Paraphrased: “The rapid expansion of tourism has led to significant difficulties for residents in many destinations.”
✔ Describing Problems Clearly
  • “One serious issue is…”
  • “This has led to…”
  • “As a result, locals face…”
✔ Proposing Realistic Solutions
  • “Governments should implement…”
  • “This can be addressed by…”
  • “A practical solution would be to…”
✔ Using Examples Effectively

Name real places or policies to add credibility:

  • “In Amsterdam, authorities banned tourist apartments…”
  • “Bhutan’s tourism model limits visitor numbers…”

🛠️ Useful Language

🌍 Introducing the Situation
  • The rapid growth of… has led to serious challenges.
  • In recent years, [issue] has become a major concern.
⚠️ Describing Problems
  • One major problem is…
  • This has resulted in…
  • Consequently, local residents experience…
✅ Proposing Solutions
  • This issue can be addressed by…
  • Governments could introduce…
  • A viable solution would be to…
🔗 Linking Ideas
  • As a result,
  • Consequently,
  • To tackle this,
  • On the other hand,
  • For instance,
🔚 Concluding
  • In conclusion, while [problem] is serious, it can be mitigated through…
  • With appropriate measures, these challenges can be effectively managed.